Makar Mela

This is celebrated in association with Makar Sankranti every year. The fair that is conducted on account of the festival is called Makar Mela and this is celebrated on 14th January every year. Though, this is celebrated all over the country, there are some particular places in Orissa that see a mega celebration at such a grand scale that these deserve special mention.

Importance of Makar Mela

The time that the sun crosses over to the orbit of Capricorn is celebrated as the day of Makar Sankranti. That day the farmers give thanks to the Sun Lord in an effort to give thanks to have grown their crops and having given them a bountiful harvest. They also hope and pray for the same kind of plentiful harvest to continue in the coming years as well.

Celebration of Makar Mela

The Makar Mela is a celebration in line with Makar Sankranti in the month of January on 14th. This is one of the functions in India that is celebrated in different names and in different forms across the country. That way the entire state of Orissa celebrates the Makar Mela. The primary deity that is praised, prayed to and thanked in relation to the Makar Mela is the Sun God. Since, sun is the primary element in cultivation of crops and good amount of sunshine is very important for a good harvest, the people use this function to thank the Sun God. Having a good harvest is very important for the people and this determines their economy, they do this thanks giving for the Sun God.

The people deck their homes on account of Makar Mela and they wear new dresses and draw up unique flower patterns in front of their homes as a part of the celebrations. They forget their worries, their difficulties and do all they can to be happy on this day, as they wish the same thing will continue through the remaining days of the year as well. All parts of Orissa have a bash at the Makar Mela, but the most important places include Jashipur, Atri, Ghatgaon and Kalijai.

Tourism in Makar Mela

This is a wonderful time to visit Orissa, as the celebration is in the air and the tourists are sure to feel very welcome to the world of enjoyment. There are different things the tourists can get to do while they are there, so it is best to visit Orissa at this time of the year. The climate, the festivity is all in support of tourism and the tourist can have a memorable time at Orissa.

Interesting Fact about Makar Mela

The most interesting fact about Makar Mela is that the people of the region celebrate it with so much of fun and gaiety and remember to thank the divine powers for all the good things that have happened over the last year. Since it is human tendency to forget to give thanks, the very fact that the people of Orissa celebrate a festival with the prime motive of giving thanks leaves a very nice feeling in our hearts.

Tips for Tourist in Makar Mela

There is going to be a heavy rush of tourists all over the place as it is normal holiday period and also because the entire nation is in a festive mood at this time. So for tourists who are on a trip to Orissa it is advisable to book accommodation very early to avoid disappointment later.

How to Reach

By Air

For tourists to Orissa, the Bhubaneswar airport is an important point of entry. This is an important airport and has good connections to most of all the cities in the country, thereby enabling tourists to pick flights that suit their time and cost constraints.

By Train

The capital city of Bhubaneswar also has a railway station, and there are good rail connections for tourists who want to enjoy the beauty of the nature and reach Orissa by train. Though this will definitely take longer, it is completely worth the journey.

By Bus

The roadways in Orissa are also well developed and the government and state operated buses are available for tourists who want to cover the distance on the road. There are a lot of options depending on the origin city for the tourists.